Vol. 38: No. 44 ~ December 18, 2023

Office of the Bishop

Please follow this link to access Bishop Gregory Parkes' Christmas message (video in English and Spanish and letter in pdf in English and Spanish).

A blessed Christmas to all!

Office of Life, Justice and Advocacy

St. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises for Everyday Life

January 10-February 14, 2024

Ms. Loretta Rieman (a parishioner of St. Paul Parish, St. Petersburg), a certified spiritual director, will facilitate a Zoom Retreat following the themes of St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises. This opportunity is offered through the Franciscan Center, Tampa.

Zoom sessions will be every Wednesday from January 10 until February 14, 2024 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. (These sessions will be recorded if you are unable to join the Zoom call during the scheduled hours.) Those participating will be praying and reflecting on each week’s themes between Zoom sessions. We will follow the book Moment by Moment, A Retreat for Everyday Living by Carol Ann Smith, SHCJ and Eugene F. Merz, SJ. Participants are encouraged to purchase the book early.

For more information and to register go to https://www.franciscancentertampa.org/, and click on the “Programs” tab and scroll down to find the “Moment by Moment” retreat information or click on this link.

Catholic Days at the Capitol

Now is the time to register to attend Catholic Days at the Capitol which will be held on February 6-7, 2024. The Bishops of Florida invite you to advocate for the protection of human life and dignity as lawmakers continue the important work of shaping Florida's laws and future for the common good. Events include a legislative briefing, awards breakfast and 49th Annual Red Mass of the Holy Spirit.

For a schedule of events and to register, please click here. If you have questions, please contact Heidi Varley at lifeministries@dosp.org or call (727) 341-6849.

Office of Stewardship and Development

Morgan Stanley Account Closure Notice

The Diocese of St. Petersburg was notified December 8, 2023 that the diocesan stock account with Morgan Stanley was closed as of November 21, 2023. After research, this account closure was initiated when the office of the brokerage closed.

At this time, Raymond James is the only and brokerage that will handle all direct broker to broker transfers for donations.

The following documents have been updated as of December 14, 2023:

• Instructions for the Transfer of Securities to the Diocese of St. Petersburg 
• Stock/Securities Donation Notification Form

We sincerely regret any inconvenience this closure may have caused.

Please visit www.dosp.org/stewardship/stock-ira-and-matching-gifts for up-to-date information regarding Stock, IRA and other specialty gifts.

Let us keep the souls and the families of the faithful departed in our prayers:

• Mrs. Patricia N. Licata-Amantia, mother of Reverend Damian Amantia, T.O.R., Pastor of St. Mary Our Lady of Grace Parish, St. Petersburg

• Mrs. Fran Gibson, wife of Deacon Jim Gibson, retired deacon of the Diocese of St. Petersburg

May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed

by the mercy of God, rest in peace!

View current information that can be included in parish bulletins here.



Thank you for your continued support and prayers.